Cruising can be a wonderfully relaxing activity. From pampering spa treatments to 24 hour a day activities to all the food you could possibly imagine, a week at sea is often a popular vacation choice. If you have phobias, however, the thought of a cruise may make you anxious rather than excited. In Phobias at Sea Triggers, we discussed some of the possible triggers that you may encounter both at sea and in ports of call. Here we will take you through the shipboard experience and provide some tips on combating your phobias along the way.
Choosing a Cruise
Preparing to cruise with a phobia begins with the cruise selection process. If you are a nervous cruiser, consider a shorter itinerary with a lot of port visits. Going into town every day can help you feel less confined or restricted.
Choose a newer, larger ship. Newer ships tend to have larger public areas, larger cabins and more open deck space. They also have more activities, which helps to spread out the crowd among several areas.
If your budget allows, consider splurging on a balcony cabin. Although you may be able to see those on other balconies, yours will be a private oasis where you can retreat when you are feeling overwhelmed, away from the crowds and noise. Of course, if you are afraid of the water, you may feel more comfortable in a cozy inside cabin instead.
Embarkation
No matter which ship or home port you select, the embarkation process is similar: a security screening similar to airports, turning in your cruise documents, establishing your onboard account and physically boarding the ship.
Lines are long, particularly early in the day. If you have phobias, consider arriving as late as possible. Most people will have already boarded, so your wait will be shorter and the terminal less crowded. Just remember to leave yourself plenty of time. If you are not onboard two hours before the ship sails, it will leave you behind!
Minimize your time in the terminal by filling out your cruise documents online. This process must be finished no later than three days prior to your sailing date. With a printed proof of document completion, you will be routed to a much shorter line.
Dining
Most cruise lines still offer traditional dinner seating, in which you select either early or late seating and are assigned to a specific table. Some lines such as Princess, however, are beginning to offer open-choice dining, in which you are welcome to dine whenever and wherever you want. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of making conversation with strangers while you eat, consider a ship with open-choice seating and tell the maitre’d each night that you prefer to dine alone. On a ship with traditional seating, request a table for two.
There is no need to visit the dining room at all. A large buffet, casual food such as burgers and hot dogs and a range of other options are available on each ship. Consider using these options at off hours if you do not wish to be disturbed. Room service is also available 24 hours a day at no additional charge, though you are expected to tip the server.
Onboard Activities
As a general rule, the most heavily attended activities are the evening production shows. Special events such as the Ice Carving demonstration are also quite popular. Trivia games, art auctions and other daytime events tend to be much less crowded.
The production shows are not to be missed, but may be difficult for those with phobias. A tip is to sit in the balcony. The thickest crowds congregate near the stage. Consider slipping into an aisle seat near the back of the balcony just before the show begins. If you need to leave you can do so easily, and you are not likely to be noticed.
Find Your Spot
Take the time to explore the ship soon after boarding. Every ship, no matter how small, has relatively hidden areas. A library with a window, a hallway off the beaten path with a comfortable couch, or a deck chair in the sun but away from the crowd may speak to you. Memorize the location of one or more spots, so that you can find them quickly and easily. This is especially helpful if your cabin is inconveniently located.
Ports of Call
Some people’s phobias are worsened by unfamiliar places or situations. Consider taking the ship’s shore excursions rather than striking out on your own. On the other hand, if your phobias are triggered by crowds and noise, you may prefer to hire a taxi or walk around port alone.
Most cruise lines now allow guests to book shore excursions online before the ship sails. Read the online descriptions carefully, and call the cruise line’s shore excursion department if you have any questions. Keep in mind that excursions tend to be packed.
If you will go into town on your own, research the destination in advance. Renting a car or booking a private tour may be worth the cost.
Debarkation
When the cruise ends, the crew will have just a few hours to completely prepare the ship for a new group of guests. Consequently, one of the primary goals is clearing the current passengers as quickly as possible. This can lead to huge crowds, long lines and phobia triggers.
If you can manage your own luggage, consider self-assist debarkation. You may remain on board until final call. Clear your cabin as soon as possible, but rather than fighting crowds on the gangway head to the Lido deck for a final buffet breakfast.
Sit back and relax as the ship clears. By the time you leave, there will be a very short line to clear Customs. Since you have your luggage, you will also avoid the massive crowds in the luggage warehouse.
The Bottom Line
The key to successful cruising with a phobia is preparation. Learn as much as you can about your ship and its ports of call. Once on board, explore the ship and find areas that make you comfortable. Never feel pressured to participate in anything, from trivia games to dance contests to conversation. Hang around the fringes of social gatherings or skip them altogether if they make you uncomfortable. After all, the cruise is your vacation and you are entitled to enjoy it in whatever way you choose.
Source:American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th Ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
